What ADHD Is NOT
ADHD encompasses a lot of things. However, there are misconceptions out there about what is and is not ADHD. Here are some things ADHD is not.
Casual
ADHD, if not adequately treated, can be a serious problem. The research of Dr. Russell Barkley speaks for itself. His research says that ADHD can reduce life expectancy by as much as 13 years. This is a severe drop in life expectancy. However, there is good news. The factors that cause that drop in life expectancy are malleable, meaning they can change. By addressing one’s ADHD, life expectancy can improve.
Caused by Food, Parenting, or Technology
Many people claim that certain foods cause ADHD. Others say it is bad parenting. Still others think it is too much screen time. The fact of the matter is the cause of ADHD is largely genetic. It is not caused by eating sugar or unhealthy foods, bad parenting, or screen time.
Fake or Made up by Pharmaceutical Companies
ADHD is real. It has been proven by science. If you deny ADHD exists, you deny science. Furthermore, it has been around for a lot longer than people think. Research has found references to ADHD-like symptoms as far back as 493 BC when Hippocrates described patients that had “... quickened responses to sensory experience, but also less tenaciousness because the soul moves on quickly to the next impression.” To learn more about the history of ADHD, click here.
An Excuse
ADHD is not an excuse for certain behaviors. I do not want to be given allowances or free passes because I have ADHD. I strive for excellence. I merely want the medication or accommodations necessary to have a level playing field. This is my hope for all ADHD: That they all strive for excellence and work with their brain, not against it.
A Children’s Issue
Adults have ADHD, too. It is not just a kid’s disorder. Many people believe that kids will eventually grow out of ADHD. That is not true. Sure, there are a few adults who are no longer plagued by the same issues they had as a child, but that does not mean their ADHD has magically gone away. It more likely means they have developed coping strategies that have helped them manage their symptoms.
A Boy’s Condition
As mentioned above, adults can have ADHD, too. More importantly, though, girls and women can have ADHD. Boys seem to get diagnosed more than girls, but that does not mean that girls cannot get ADHD. Many do have ADHD, and it goes undiagnosed in girls more than in boys. This is tragic, and light needs to be shed on this injustice.
Fixable
ADHD has no cure. Anyone who tells you that certain vitamins, pills, or exercises will take away someone’s ADHD is selling you something. It can be properly managed or even harnessed for good, but it cannot be “fixed.” Furthermore, there is nothing to fix. ADHD is simply a different brain wiring, not something that needs to be “fixed.” Anyone who tells you differently does not know what they are talking about.